Many of the parents and caregivers served by Sparkwheel experience barriers to engaging in their student’s education (e.g., poverty, trauma, discrimination, etc.). Moreover, they may not feel welcome to take a more active approach in their student’s education. The purposes of this program are to provide support, validation, and a sense of community for parents and caregivers of students at Ross Elementary School. The intention of this adult-to-adult parent/caregiver mentor program is to empower parents and caregivers to advocate for their family’s needs and the educational needs of their students.
Parents and caregivers who have been referred to the program will be paired with parent/caregiver mentors who have had experience navigating education and other systems on behalf of children in their care. The mentors will also be residents of southeast Topeka, and therefore, familiar with the community and neighborhoods surrounding Ross Elementary School.
